Chronic pain, whether episodic or continuous, mild or excruciating, can take a significant toll on your physical and emotional health.
If you have chronic or long-lasting pain that is not getting better with rest, medications, and other treatments, dry needling may help you. Dry needling, also known as trigger, point dry needling, or myofascial trigger point dry needling, is a relatively new and innovative approach to treating myofascial pain.
Let’s talk about what dry needling therapy is, how it works, and where you can go for dry needling in San Marcos.
What Dry Needle Therapy is
Dry needle therapy is a safe, minimally discomforting, and effective treatment for people with certain types of musculoskeletal pain. The therapy is called dry needle therapy because no substance or medicine is applied to the needles before inserting them in the fascia.
For maximum efficacy, dry needling should be performed by skilled and trained physiotherapists with certification in performing this procedure.
The depth of the needle in the muscle and the stay time of the needle in the muscle is decided by the type of pain being treated and how long the pain has been there. The needles may be placed superficially or deeply for a shorter period (for seconds) or a longer period (for 10 to 15 minutes).
How Does It Work
Dry needling eases myofascial pain by targeting the trigger points. Trigger points refer to a local contracture or a tight band of muscle fibers resulting from trauma to muscle tissues, prolonged bed rest, overuse, poor posture, stress, and tension.
These trigger points can form in different body areas and may cause neck pain, headache, back pain, and/or jaw pain.
During the procedure, ultrathin, relatively comfortable, and flexible needles are used. These needles are sterilized and delicately placed in the precise position in the muscle membrane or fascia. After insertion, the needles are gently manipulated to produce a “twitch response” and are then removed. The twitch loosens the trigger points and thus eases pain.
Additionally, dry needling helps stimulate the release of an important chemical messenger, called endorphins, which blocks pain signals from the brain.
What Makes Me a Candidate for Dry Needling
Dry needling is for you if you’re in pain due to:
- Fibromyalgia
- TMJ disorder
- Sciatica
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Knee pain
- Herniated disc
- Headaches
- Rotator cuff syndrome
- Nerve disorders
- Plantar fasciitis
Dry Needle Therapy in San Marcos
Have long-standing pain? Contact us at Endeavor Physical Therapy & Wellness to know whether you’re a candidate for dry needling. Our physiotherapy specialist will thoroughly assess your situation and recommend the most effective treatment, which may include dry needling, hand therapy, physical therapy, etc.
To learn more about dry needling or schedule a consultation with one of our experts, call us today at (512) 214-8202 or fill out this online appointment request form.
We have offices in Kyle, Manor, Hutto, Round Rock, Bee Cave, Pflugerville, San Marcos, and Cedar Park for your convenience.
